An Era Gone By – Teachers in One Room Schoolhouses

Barb Hemberger • May 7, 2024

This week, May 6-10, is Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S., and while some former teachers who live in our Saint Therese senior communities are no longer teaching – at least formally – we still want to recognize them for their service to our nation’s children.

Typical one room schoolhouse

At Saint Therese of New Hope, there are three former teachers who all taught in one-room schoolhouses, something that is almost, but not entirely, non-existent today. The three women – Theresa Eissinger, Jean Geurts and Alice Houchins – shared their unique experiences teaching kids in those one-room classrooms.



The three all grew up and then taught in the rural Midwest. And while the circumstances were sometimes hard and required extreme resourcefulness, they said they always felt appreciated and respected by the schoolkids in their care.

Theresa Eissinger, 95, is from Napoleon, North Dakota, a small, heavily-German town in the southcentral part of the state. After high school she went to Valley City, N.D., to get her teaching certificate and was just 17 when she started teaching in the Foster District, near her hometown.


“There wasn’t much else you could do, except be a teacher, unless you wanted to work in a restaurant,” said Theresa. “It was very natural to become a teacher.”



She taught about 15 children at most in the schoolhouse, and like kids today, some took to education and others didn’t. She felt some of the older boys just put in their time because they knew they were going to be farmers. And many times, they had to stay home and help with the farming. She found the girls to be very interested in school and were good students.

Theresa Eissinger

There weren’t any problems with the kids, she said. “They had the family behind you so there were no discipline problems. This was a time when the priest was the most respected person in town, the judge was second, and teachers were third.”


Theresa said you had to mix in fun things to keep the kids engaged, especially on Friday afternoons. They’d also have rallies where all the schools in the county would come together and do skits, hold spelling bees or run races.


One of her favorite memories is a boy named Vernon, who still couldn’t read in the third grade. She had a lot of time to work with him and used flash cards to help in the process. Vernon ended up finishing eighth grade and went on to high school. “He didn’t become a farmer but moved to Minneapolis. He looked me up 40 years later and thanked me for teaching him how to read.”

Jean Geurts

Jean Geurts, 94, grew up in New Effington, a small town of about 350 in northeastern South Dakota, near the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.


After graduating from high school, she went to college for one year at St. Catherine’s in St. Paul. The summer after her first year, she learned that the school board in nearby Harmon Township, near Rosholt, S.D., was looking for a teacher. They were interested in Jean because of her excellent standing in high school and her one year of college. Also encouraged by her parents, Jean took the job, thinking it would be for one year. Her fiancé lived near the school so that was an added incentive.

She had seven children in her school, all in different grades except for two twin boys in the first grade. Having never been in a one room schoolhouse, Jean said she was a bit frustrated the first month. But with the help of her mom, who was a former one room schoolteacher, and another nearby teacher, she learned how to create the class schedules. From that time on she enjoyed her teaching profession. Her students told her that she was the best teacher they’d ever had, and to this day one of them is a very close friend.


The schoolhouse had its hardships. There was no running water for the indoor toilets, and she had to get to school incredibly early to get the wood and coal furnace going for heat. “We all brought in our lunch pails and often would bake potatoes on the furnace,” said Jean.



That first winter was very bad and she said the 12 miles of country roads she drove from home were frequently blocked with snow. She spent the winter boarding with the family of the first grade twin boys who lived a half mile from the school. “I really had to bundle up to walk the distance.”

Jean’s students on “Cadilly” decorated for a parade

School wasn’t all work, Jean said. “My group liked to put on programs for their parents and neighbors where they’d recite poems and sing. We also have fun at recess.”


One incident Jean remembers well. They turned her Model T Ford, which she named “Cadilly” into a “little red schoolhouse” by decorating it to enter the homecoming parade at the high school in Rosholt. “So, we all got into Cadilly and drove for town. Unfortunately, the wind came up strong and blew all the decorations off. It was quite a disappointment!”

Jean said the thing that was neat about being in a one room schoolhouse was that the older kids helped the younger ones. “There was a camaraderie, and they helped the little ones. It was a great life experience for me.”

Alice Houchins, 96, grew up on a farm just north of Pierz in central Minnesota, about two hours north of the Twin Cities. After high school she had one year of Normal Teachers Training in Little Falls.


After two weeks of practice teaching in a country school and also teaching third grade in a city school in Little Falls, she began teaching in the same schoolhouse as her grandfather taught, five miles north of Pierz. She was 19.


In the winter she had to board with her uncle who lived within walking distance of the school, but she wasn’t too happy about it and not only because his home was so cold in the winter. For instance, she noticed that all the students were bringing coffee to school, and she didn’t think that was healthy. So, to be a model to her students, she asked her uncle (who was milking cows at the time), if she could have some milk to bring to school for her lunch. He replied, “can’t you drink coffee?” That angered her dad and he said, “you’re coming home!”

Alice Houchins

At times in the winter, her dad had to use horses to get her to school, having her ride on what was called a stone boat (type of sled for moving heavy objects) that was led by the horses. One time the snow was so deep that the horses became unhooked, and Alice flipped face first into the snow.



“It was as cold inside as it was outside,” said Alice. “We had to start a fire and the kids would be wearing their coats and mittens during class until the room warmed up.”


Before she took the job, she was told by the chair of the school board that the kids would not be well-behaved, because the previous teacher hadn’t used any discipline. Alice put the kibosh on that and by her second day she had a chores list for everyone, from having one child bring in wood for the stove to another getting water for the cooler, etc.


The kids talked German all the time at recess and Alice said a first grade student named Elmer, couldn’t speak any English. She got them to start talking English during recess and soon Elmer was fluent.

She too felt the rural school was a benefit to the students because the younger kids listened to the upper grades and learned from them.


Alice enjoyed the Christmas program which she would organize and have the kids sing and perform skits. “They loved it because they had to memorize and rehearse.”


As was the case at that time, the teaching careers for Theresa, Jean and Alice ended when they married and took on the responsibility of – perhaps the most respected profession – becoming moms!


Thank you Theresa, Jean and Alice, for your time as teachers and for sharing your stories. And thank you to all the other former teachers who now call Saint Therese home.


We asked the three women why they decided to move into Saint Therese of New Hope:

Theresa Eissinger moved into Saint Therese of New Hope in 2019, chiefly because it was Catholic-based. She moved from her home in North Dakota to be closer to her two daughters who live in the metro area. She said she had no problem adjusting to the community when she arrived and now calls Saint Therese “home.” In particular she appreciates how friendly everyone is.

Jean Geurts said she moved into Saint Therese in 2018 because she could go to Mass on a daily basis. She also had four kids who live in the area. She’s active in the community – she plays cards (bridge, 500, pinochle and euchre), the library, the programs provided by the Pastoral Care team and tours to places like the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Alice Houchins moved into Saint Therese in 2016 with her husband, Ken. She said they always had in mind that they would move here because they had several friends they had visited in the apartments and the care center. Her husband died in 2023 but Alice has stayed on because she said she especially likes the friendly staff and has made many friends over the years. She said there are many activities she participates in as well.

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At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

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Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: When to Choose Each

By Barb Hemberger • June 23, 2026
It is important to understand the assisted living vs memory care debate. Assisted living supports older adults who need help with daily activities , while memory care provides specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Memory care includes additional safety measures, structured routines, and staff training designed specifically for the unique challenges associated with memory loss. For many families, understanding the difference becomes an important part of making an informed decision. While both assisted living and memory care provide support in a community setting, they serve different needs and are designed for different stages of aging. If you are trying to determine which option may be the best fit, it is helpful to understand these better. You must know how each level of care works, who it is designed for, and what signs may indicate it is time to consider additional support. What is Assisted Living and Memory Care? Assisted living and memory care are both senior living options that provide support with daily life, but they differ in the type and intensity of care they offer. Assisted living is designed for older adults who remain largely independent but need help with certain activities. These can include medication management, dressing, bathing, mobility, or household tasks. Memory care is specifically designed for individuals experiencing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. The primary difference is that memory care includes specialized programs and secure environments. The care approaches are tailored to the unique needs of individuals living with memory loss. Assisted Living vs Memory Care: A Side-by-Side Comparison To understand the differences better, let us look at a side-by-side comparison of the two levels of care.

Senior Living in Westlake, OH: Assisted Living and Memory Care

By Barb Hemberger • June 23, 2026
Choosing the right senior living community is rarely just about finding a place to live. For many older adults and their families, it is about finding a community that supports independence, encourages meaningful connections, and provides confidence for the future. If you are exploring senior living Westlake Ohio options, Saint Therese of Westlake offers a distinctive approach. It combines independent living with access to a full continuum of care on one beautiful campus. Located in Westlake, Ohio, this welcoming community allows older adults to enjoy an active lifestyle while knowing additional support is available if needs change over time. Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one evaluate senior living choices, understanding what makes Saint Therese unique can help you make a more informed decision. What is Senior Living in Westlake, Ohio? Senior living in Westlake, Ohio refers to housing and lifestyle options designed specifically for older adults. These communities typically offer varying levels of support, ranging from fully independent living to assisted living, rehabilitation services, and long-term care. The best senior living communities allow residents to maintain their independence. Meanwhile it also provides access to services, amenities, and healthcare resources that can simplify daily life and enhance overall well-being. At Saint Therese of Westlake, residents have access to multiple levels of care on one campus. This makes it easier to age in place while remaining part of a familiar community. Why Westlake is an Attractive Place for Senior Living? Westlake has become one of Northeast Ohio's most desirable communities for older adults. Located in Lorain County, the city offers a blend of suburban comfort, convenient healthcare access, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Residents at Saint Therese of Westlake enjoy proximity to many local destinations, including: Westlake shopping district Crocker Park in nearby Westlake Miller Nature Preserve French Creek Reservation Lake Erie waterfront attractions Local restaurants, coffee shops, and community events Major healthcare providers throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga counties The community also provides convenient access to Interstate 90. Hence, making it easy for family members and visitors traveling from Cleveland, Elyria, North Ridgeville, Westlake, and surrounding communities. For many older adults, remaining connected to familiar neighborhoods, family, and local activities is an important part of maintaining quality of life. Westlake offers that balance of convenience and community. Independent Living at Saint Therese of Westlake Independent living is currently the primary opportunity available at Saint Therese of Westlake. It is an excellent choice for active older adults seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle without sacrificing independence. The goal of independent living is simple: give residents more time to enjoy life by reducing the responsibilities associated with homeownership. Instead of worrying about yard work, snow removal, home maintenance, or unexpected repairs, residents can focus on the activities, relationships, and experiences that matter most to them. A Lifestyle Designed Around Independence Many people assume senior living means giving something up. In reality, independent living often creates opportunities for greater freedom. Residents can spend their days pursuing hobbies. They can participate in community activities, enjoying social events, or simply relaxing without the responsibilities of maintaining a house. At Saint Therese of Westlake, independent living supports a lifestyle centered on choice. Residents maintain their privacy and autonomy while benefiting from the convenience of community living. Opportunities for Connection and Community One of the most common challenges older adults face is social isolation. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that staying socially engaged can support both emotional and physical well-being. Independent living creates natural opportunities for connection through shared dining experiences, wellness programs , recreational activities, educational events, and community gatherings. Many residents discover that moving to a senior living community expands their social circles and helps them remain actively engaged in daily life. Peace of Mind for Families Families often describe a sense of relief when a loved one moves into a community that offers both independence and future support options. Knowing that assistance is available if circumstances change can help reduce uncertainty and make long-term planning easier. For many families, this peace of mind becomes one of the most valuable benefits of choosing a continuing care community. Assisted Living Westlake Ohio: Understanding the Next Level of Support Many families searching for assisted living Westlake Ohio are actually trying to understand what level of care a loved one may need now or in the future. Assisted living is designed for individuals who remain active and engaged but may benefit from support with certain daily activities. These can include medication management, dressing, bathing, or mobility assistance. At Saint Therese, assisted living is part of the broader continuum of care available on campus. This means residents who begin in independent living may have access to additional support if their needs change over time. This allows them to remain connected to familiar surroundings and relationships. Rather than facing another major move, residents can often transition more smoothly within the same community. This continuity can be especially valuable during periods of change and adjustment. A Full Continuum of Care on One Campus One of the defining advantages of Saint Therese of Westlake is its comprehensive range of care options. Many senior living communities focus on only one level of care. By contrast, Saint Therese offers multiple services designed to support residents through various stages of aging. Independent Living Independent living provides maintenance-free housing, social opportunities, wellness programs, and an active community environment for older adults who do not require daily assistance. Assisted Living Assisted living offers personalized support while encouraging residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Following a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or injury, rehabilitation services can help individuals regain strength, mobility, and confidence before returning to their regular routines. Long Term Care For residents who require ongoing skilled nursing support, long-term care services provide comprehensive assistance delivered by experienced healthcare professionals. Having these services available within one community can simplify future planning and provide reassurance for both residents and families. What Makes Saint Therese of Westlake Different? When comparing senior living communities in Lorain County, several factors distinguish Saint Therese of Westlake. Let us take a look at the key characteristics that make this community stand out. A Beautiful Campus Setting The St. Mary of Westlake campus offers a peaceful environment that combines natural beauty with convenient access to local amenities. Residents can enjoy comfortable surroundings while remaining connected to the larger Westlake community. A Person-Centered Philosophy The Saint Therese mission is rooted in helping older adults live with dignity, purpose, and extraordinary love. Rather than focusing solely on care services, the community emphasizes relationships, individual preferences, and overall quality of life. This approach recognizes that successful aging involves far more than healthcare. It includes meaningful connections, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for continued growth. Experience Across the Aging Journey Because the community offers multiple levels of care, staff members understand the evolving needs that older adults and families may encounter over time. This experience helps create a supportive environment where residents feel known, respected, and valued. A Community Focused on Living Well Many families begin exploring senior living because they are concerned about future challenges. While planning is important, life in a senior living community is about much more than preparing for future care needs. Residents have opportunities to pursue wellness, engage with others, participate in activities, and enjoy the everyday moments that contribute to a fulfilling life. When is the Right Time to Consider Independent Living? Many older adults wait until a crisis occurs before exploring senior living options. However, some of the most successful transitions happen when individuals move while they are still active and able to fully enjoy community life. Signs it may be worth exploring independent living include: Home maintenance is becoming more burdensome. Social opportunities feel increasingly limited. Travel and lifestyle flexibility are priorities. Long-term planning has become a consideration. Family members are encouraging proactive planning. Access to future care options provides peace of mind. Planning ahead often allows individuals to make decisions on their own timeline rather than under pressure. Discover Senior Living at Saint Therese of Westlake Finding the right senior living community is a personal decision, and every family approaches the process differently. What many families discover is that planning ahead creates more opportunities, more flexibility, and greater peace of mind. If you are exploring senior living options in Lorain County, we invite you to learn more about Saint Therese of Westlake in Ohio. Explore our Saint Therese Westlake community page , learn about our independent living lifestyle options, or contact our team to schedule a tour. We would be honored to help you discover whether our community is the right fit for your next chapter. Frequently Asked Questions What is included in independent living at Saint Therese of Westlake? Independent living includes maintenance-free housing, community amenities, social opportunities, wellness programs, and access to a supportive senior living environment designed for active older adults. Is assisted living available at the Westlake campus? Yes. Assisted living is part of the continuum of care available at Saint Therese of Westlake. Availability may vary, so families are encouraged to contact the community directly for current information. Can residents transition to higher levels of care if needed? Yes. One of the benefits of the Westlake campus is access to multiple care levels, including assisted living, rehabilitation, transitional care, and long-term care services. Why do people choose senior living in Westlake, Ohio? Many older adults choose Westlake because of its convenient location, access to healthcare services, shopping, recreation, and a strong sense of community. The city offers an appealing balance of comfort and accessibility. How can I schedule a tour of Saint Therese of Westlake? The best way to learn about the community is through a personal visit. Touring the campus allows you to experience the environment, meet team members, and explore available living options.
A candid photograph taken on a sunny day of the attractive red brick and stone campus of Saint There

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By Barb Hemberger • June 18, 2026
Senior living Avon Ohio, with independent living, assisted living, rehab, and long-term care. Schedule a tour at Saint Therese Avon today.